“This radiopharmaceutical binds to a protein called ‘tau protein’ which accumulates in the brain during repeat concussions and traumatic brain injuries. Availability of this PET radiopharmaceutical allows the non-invasive detection of various neurodegenerative brain disease.”

Garg said this radiopharmaceutical is relatively new and not widely used in the region yet, but it is likely to become more prevalent in diagnosing Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases locally.

CMIT has recently completed a 600-site, nationwide clinical trial called Imaging Dementia – Evidence for Amyloid Scanning (IDEAS) to learn how amyloid PET scanning can help clinicians diagnose the cause of cognitive impairment, provide the most appropriate treatments and recommendations, and improve health outcomes.

The results of the study support reimbursement of amyloid imaging by Medicare and other third-party payers, making diagnostic imaging for Alzheimer’s disease more accessible to patients.